The Human Rights Division of the High Court in Accra has ruled that the Ghana Police Service violated the fundamental rights of journalists and protesters during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration held in September 2023.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, May 14, the court, presided over by His Lordship Justice Nana Brew, ruled in favour of journalist Bridget Otoo and two other applicants in a case filed against the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney-General.
The proceedings, formally titled Bridget Otoo & 2 Others v. The Inspector General of Police & Attorney-General, examined allegations of excessive force, unlawful detention, and interference with journalistic activity during the protest.
The court held that officers deployed to manage the demonstration acted outside constitutional limits, instead of safeguarding the rights and safety of participants.
It found that the conduct of the police amounted to violations of the applicants’ fundamental human rights, including protection from abuse and unlawful detention.
Evidence presented to the court indicated that Bridget Otoo was assaulted during the protest, with claims that officers tore her clothing in the process.
Another applicant, Vanessa Edotom Boateng, was reportedly detained without lawful justification, while her mobile phone was seized to prevent documentation of police conduct.
A third applicant, George Gyening Anyang, was allegedly assaulted while livestreaming events at a police station, with the court detailing the use of physical force including slaps, punches, a metallic belt, and a baton.
Justice Brew described the conduct of officers as unconstitutional and criticised what he characterised as an abuse of state authority.
The court awarded damages in favour of the applicants, ordering compensation of GH¢100,000 in general relief, GH¢50,000 in additional damages, and GH¢30,000 in legal costs.
It also directed the police to issue an unqualified public apology to the applicants in the Daily Graphic.
Counsel for the applicants, Samson Lardy Anyenini of A-PARTNERS@LAW, had sought higher legal costs, citing the prolonged duration of the litigation. However, the court declined, noting that excessive penalties could impair the operational capacity of the police service.
The judgment further referenced earlier rulings on police misconduct as part of a broader judicial concern regarding accountability within law enforcement institutions.
The court expressed expectation that current leadership of the Ghana Police Service would take steps to ensure improved protection of journalists, activists, and citizens during public demonstrations.
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest in September 2023 drew significant national attention amid demonstrations over economic hardship, governance challenges, and allegations of corruption, with multiple reports of arrests and alleged abuses during the event.
